Hey guys, I have started working on details for my RR and need to choose a coupler method.

I want to model the 1890 to 1910 time period (just because) and am considering either kadee G couplers or a link and pin style. I do not want something super fiddly (mostly for non-model-railroading guests), but I am kinda warming up to the link and pin. Is there a not-so-fiddly way to simulate link and pin but still maintain the methodology and some modicum of reliability (i.e. if you back up the 'pin' does not get forced out). I have seen some pieces like a staple that represent both the link and the pin but am not sure how well they would work.

Thx for any input. FWIW, I do not plan on the RR interchanging with others.

"Non-model railroading guests" and "link and pin couplers" do not belong in the same phrase. You are looking for endless frustration. IMHO they are only for the most dedicated (and steady-handed).
Jose.

____________________Junk is something you throw away three weeks before you need it.

I know a great place to ask, The Early Rail modeling group
"Are you interested in modeling early railroads? This list includes
railroads both in and outside of the USA. The start of World War
1 is the general cut-off date for this list.

Go for it. Woodie uses link and pin on his Mogollon and his Silver City railroads and has for years. Look in the Narrow Guage Forum.
I have been using three link chain and pin on my Geneseo Railway for two years. None who have operated it have complained. Most enjoy it a great deal. If you can operate a "pic" to manually uncouple in HO, you can easily do link and pin.

I use locking tweezers to pull the pins and while the pins are in the jaws, I can move the links around to line up with the holes...then drop the pins and squeeze the tweezers to let go. I have the same things on my On20 Gila Tram and have no problems. Just take care and have plenty of lighting to see what you are doing.

Woodie

____________________It doesn't matter if you win or lose, its' how you rig the game.

I like yours as well Bob. Is that prototyical at all? Just wondering, I have not seen that implemented anywhere yet. I can easily imagine its use somewhere.

Yes... Mostly used on small tram style equipment. Recommend looking on YouTube at the video titled "Vanishing Coal Mines of Pingxi Valley". You will find it very interesting.
My layout is battery RC and evrything is manual. Link and pin, hand operated ground throws and manual "armstrong" turntables. Operating it is great fun. I will echo Woodie though - you need good lighting.

Thx. While my layout will not be a tram, it will mostly be small equipment. It is going to be outdoors (I have temporary indoor right now for testing stuff out) and plenty of light, but then that might mean no night operations.

Maybe I can figure out a way to just run trains for nighttime effect - I plan to have building lighting, etc. eventually - but i need to plan loops at the ends then.

But am i wrong in that one would need good lighting (at night) for even Kadee couplers? at least for uncoupling?